T.J. Harper

T. J. Harper is Associate Professor of Music and the Director of Choral Activities at Providence College in Providence, Rhode Island. He is the 2014-2015 Professor of the Year and recipient of the Joseph R. Accinno Teaching Award. He conducts the college’s three choral ensembles: I Cantori, Concert Chorale and the Oriana Women's Choir. He teaches courses in Conducting, Secondary Choral Methods, Applied Conducting, and Applied Voice. Dr. Harper received the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Southern California graduating with highest honors. He received the Master of Arts in Choral Conducting from California State University, Northridge and the Bachelor of Arts degree and Choral Conducting from California State University, Fresno. He has had the privilege of studying with Dr. William Dehning, Dr. Nick Strimple, Dr. Magen Solomon, Paul A. Smith, and Dr. Gary L. Unruh.

﻿Choirs under the direction of Dr. Harper have performed at the Eastern Division Conferences of NAfME (2011) and ACDA (2012) as well as the NAfME National In-Service Conference in 2014. Dr. Harper has been honored to work with choirs and present conducting master classes throughout the United States and internationally in Spain, South Korea, Italy, Sweden, China & Argentina.

​

Dr. Harper is the Director of the ACDA International Conductors Exchange Program (ICEP) and the immediate Past-President of the Rhode Island chapter of the American Choral Directors Association. He is the President of the Rhode Island Music Educators Association (RIMEA), and he is also the Rhode Island State Representative and founding member of the National Collegiate Choral Organization (NCCO). Dr. Harper is also the Artistic Director of The Chamber Singers of New England.

Dr. Harper maintains an active schedule as an honor choir conductor, festival adjudicator & clinician, music education specialist, and guest speaker. He taught middle school and high school in the California public school system for six years and was honored for excellence in teaching in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. As a member of the Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society, MENC, ACDA, Chorus America, NCCO and the International Federation of Choral Music (IFCM), Dr. Harper is an advocate for the promotion of undergraduate education and choral music in the public schools and institutions of higher education.

Dr. Harper’s interests have led to research of the Nazi influence on German choral music and the music of Hugo Distler. His dissertation entitled, Hugo Distler and the Renewal Movement in Nazi Germany focuses on the juxtaposition of Distler's personal beliefs and his political/ professional obligations to the Nazi Party. His interests have led to funded research projects exploring the music of Johannes Brahms, Maurice Duruflé, and the folk music traditions of the Korean Peninsula. Dr. Harper is a contributing columnist for the IFCM International Choral Bulletin, and he is also a contributing author to Student Engagement in Higher Education: Theoretical Perspectives and Practical Approaches for Diverse Populations. (Routledge)